Plastic Surgery is cosmetic!

Well it is according to the British Health Service anyway. I went to see my pcp to request blood test and plastic (reconstructive) surgery this afternoon. I gave him a (long) list of recommended blood tests that had been posted on the grads board - he is willing to do a few of them - not sure which ones yet - probably just the basics. Then spoke with him about plasic surgery for all my saggy skin. He told me that I won't get it on the NHS (National Health Service) as it is considered cosmetic - even though I get pain on my shoulders from my bra trying to hold up the weight of my still large breasts but that sag down to my waist, and pain in my back from the weight of the saggy skin on my belly. I'm still in debt from paying for wls myself, there's no way we can afford to pay for this. I feel devastated. He is going to refer me to a psychiatrist for evaluation - maybe I can get the surgery if I have enough emotional problems from it. Believe you me, I will make sure I have enough (I'm not going to need to make anything up either!). How crazy is it that it MAY be possible for my mental health but not for my physical health... By paying for wls myself as I couldn't get that on NHS I've already saved them thousands in medical bills and prescriptions that I would have needed over the years of my life had I stayed obese. And now I can't get this. It's soooooo frustrating.

What a blow Ruth. In Canada, a breast reduction is not considered cosmetic if you can prove that there are back problems or some kind of medical condition that would require the skin to be removed. I would need a lower body lift, sagging belly and nasty thighs and butt are not covered in Canada and are very expensive. There is a group of us that are getting together to lobby for plastics to complete the WLS treatment. There are few stats regarding the surgery but one that a friend has been tracking is success rates and that people who have had the loose skin removed surgically have a much higher long term success rate with the bypass surgery. Perhaps feeling good about our bodies makes a difference? Holly

Hey Holly good to see you...how are you doing? Up and about now? How did the knee surgery go? I can totally understand that people who have had the excess skin removed having a higher long term sucess. Feeling good about yourself is SUCH a large part of this journey. And I also agree that plastics IS the final step of WLS treatment. I feel that it is all connected and all part of the same thing. It frustrates me that the medical profession doesn't see it that way. But then, wls is still regarded badly in Britain too - I was considered not obese enough (with a bmi of 42.6 and several co-morbidities) to be considered for wls. Hugs anyway - can we call you twinkle toes now?

I am still struggling with my knee surgeries. This last one really knocked the stuffing out of me. I am presently in Seattle Washington visiting a friend and hopefully recuperating because I am not able to do it at home. The boys are all tired of me being ill and are acting up like crazy. I understand where it is coming from but I am not Wednesday. Holly

I'm sorry to hear you are having a tought time and aren't fully fighting fit yet :o( Kids certainly know how to push the buttons don't they, and even knowing the reasons, it's still hard to deal with. I hope you are feeling better/stronger soon, and that the boys settle down. Ruth

welcome back Holly! Did you get my cards and goodies and stuff? I was praying hard for you. I am trying desperately to get my tummy tuck and what not covered by surgery or else I'll start saving up now, I'm getting something nasty taken off this body eventually so I can feel good about myself. ANDI

I waver back and forth... currently, I would like surgery but have not even asked if it is covered. maybe after I get the taxes filed. part of me feels that I should just be grateful that I am at least healthy. part of me hates the smell that comes from my belly button.. (long story)

Wow this is difficult isnt it? I would love to have some skin removed and contouring of my lower body but it would be out of pocket Dont have that money so....... Keep smiling Ruth!